1. Get off to a fast start. Pete Lembo’s teams at UB aren’t high-flying, run-and-gun teams. They don’t typically win via shootout; they win with great defense, great special teams and sound offense that protects the football. But the Bulls schedule home openers like this one to get off to a strong start. Teams are supposed to beat FCS opponents – but if they start slowly and let them hang around, they’re asking for trouble (examples: Jacksonville State over Ole Miss, James Madison over Virginia Tech, Appalachian State over Michigan). Any football team wants to start out strong – but in cases like this, an early lead will allow Lembo and the Bulls to accomplish the true goals of the day: Earn a win while answering some other key questions.

2. It’s all about timing. In their season-op

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